Thebmostatic vaive



Feb. 21, 192 8. 1,659,917

J. J. LAWLER THERMOSTATIC VALVE Filed April 11. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet. l

59 58 38 1%? o o 0 0 8 T. O 1 -7 0 0 0 /17 o o o o o o o c o o INVENTOR- dwf t.

Feb. 21, 1928. 1,659,917

J. J. LAWLER THERMQSTATIC VALVE Filed April 11'. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 I Z lNVEIiTiR BY w ' 1 ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 21, 1928.

UNITED STATES JAMES J. LAWLER, OF MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK.

THERMOSTATIC VALVE.

Application filed April 11, 1924. Serial No. 705,738.

This invention relates to improvements in automatic thermal control means, and more especially to such a control means for automatically regulating the temperature within a compartment.

It is the general object of the invention to provide an improved thermo-sensitive control for automatically maintaining a desired constant temperature within a compartment and having a high degree of sensibility and positiveness of operation under all conditions of use.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved thermal control device of the class mentioned, of increased structural simplicity resulting in increased convenience in installation, repair or adjustment, and being more quickly responsive to temperature changes than prior devices.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide an improved, particularly sensitive and positively acting thermo-sensitive element responsive to the temperature of the surrounding medium within a compartment for controlling the admission of heating fluid to a radiator, thus to maintain I constant temperaturewitliin the compartment.

Another object is to provide an. improved method of associating a thermo-responsive fluid with a thermostatic element so as to assure accurate functioning in use.

Other objects 'ill be in part obvious and in part pointed" 'ut in connection with the following detailed description of an illustrative but preferred embodiment of the invention. 7

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

uatu re and objects of the invention reference is had to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the invention,

and in which,

m Figure 1 is aside elevation of a combined For a more complete'understanding of the Fig. 4 is an enlarged detailed longitudinal sectional view of a partof the thermostatic element. parts being shown in elevation;

Fig. 5 is a central sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 3 of the valve casing detached from the thermostatic element;

6 is aplan view of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a detailed sectional view of the flexible diaphragm which is disposed be tween the thermostat and valve;'

Fig. 8 is an elevation illustrating one method of applying the invention to a steam or hot Water radiator, and

Fig. 9 is a sectional detail showing a modification of the thermostatic element.

Referring to the drawing for a detailed description of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to 8, a control valve is indicated generally at 10 being connected in the service or supply pipe 11 which-leads at 12 from the valve to a radiator 13. As shown, the valve may be of the globe angle type having unions 14' for connection to the supply pipe 11 and to pipe 12, or the connections may be varied to suit theparticular installation. In the installation illustrated in Fig. 8 return is made from the radiator this assembly may be varied to conform to good practice, dependent upon whether steam or hot water is available and upon other factors. The thermostatic unit is indicated generally at 17, being mounted in juxtaposition to the valve, and preferably carried thereby inposition for controlling operation of the valve.

The valve casin 18 has an interior cavity with conduits lea ing thereto and therefrom with a .port 19 therebetween in a dlvlding wall providing an annular valve seat 20. Substantially 'coaxially with this valve seat, the casin is formed with .a cylindrical port 21 to'whichis threaded a supporting member or bonnet 22 having an upwardly opening depression or cavity and an opening extending through the lower Wall at the bottom of the cavity. A movable closure member 23 is disposed withinthe valve casing and preferably having a cushion plate 24 for contacting with the'valve seat in making a tight closure'of the port 19. The closure member is so ported for sliding movement in the bonnet by means of a supporting stem 25 extending through the opening in the bot-' tom of the bonnet and being preferably tubular, and integral with the closure plate 23. This stem lies in the bonnet cavity terminatin near the upper part thereof and threa ed to its ext-remit is a follower plate 7 l 26 having a periphera flange 27 contacting with the inner wall surface of the bonnet. By means of the stem and flange, the closure plate is guided and supported for sliding movement to open and close the valve port. A spring 28 is stressed between the bottom of the bonnet and the follower plate26 to bias the valve closure member toward open position. The bonnet is seated firmly on the valve casing so as to make a tight joint therewith.

A cover plate 29 overlies the bonnet 22 be.- ing preferably threaded thereto and provided with a threaded boss 30 for attachment of the thermostatic unit 17. A fiexible diaphragm 31 overlies the follower plate 26, be-

ing marginally gripped between the upper edges of the bonnet and a seat provided in the supporting member 29, so as to provide a thoroughly tight seal at this point preventing escape of the temperature changing fluid conducted through the valve. The closure plate of the valve is controlled by spring 28 and by the thermostatic element operating through the flexible diaphragm 31 and the follower plate, as more fully pointed out be- (0 boss 30 and securedinseatedposition thereon by a'nut 33. The-thermostatic unit may thus bepositioned in any axially angular position desired relatively to-the valve casing; The operative elements of the thermostat are supported in position on the bar 32 through the medium of a casing 34 secured 'tion by a flanged ring 35 screwed or 0t erwise suitably secured to the bar. The casing is preferably tubular, having perforated side,

bottom and top walls to permit free circulation of the surrounding medium and the bottom wall preferably extends outwardly under the side well, being marginally seated as at 36in the underside of the flanged sup- 66' porting ring 35 to support'it in position. This supporting ring is preferably firmly united with the tubular walls'of the casing, asby soldering, and the bottoni of the casing may permit read insertion or 00 removal of the thermostatic e ements. The

' cover plate-37 of the casing is provided with be removable to anupstand'ing tubular boss or neck 38 hav- 1. in an apertured cap 39- screwed thereon.

' e thermo-se'nsitive element of the ther mostatis moim d Within the union.

eluding a centrally disposed column 40 having a rigid block or header 41 provided with an internal chamber 42. Communicating with this chamber is a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell 43 rigidly united and hermetically sealed to the block, which for this purpose is provided with a bore opening into the lower side thereof and being somewhat'larger in diameter than that of the chamber so' as to provide an annular shoulder against which the end of the cell may be seated. This cell is provided with circumferential corrugations to render it longitudinally flexibleso as" to offer slight resistance to longitudinal expan sion or contraction, while preserving relative transverse rigidity. The corrugations are preferably coextensive with the lengthiof the cell. Surrounding thiscell is a supporting and stiffening member or tube 44 disposed to cbntact with the exterior surface of the cell so as to prevent buckling or other lateral distortion thereof. Thisstiflening member is preferably rigidly secured to the block 41 'and may, as shown, extend into the bore thereof. As it is important that a thoroughly rigid and tight joint be provided at this point, the cell, supporting tube and block may be integrally united as by soldering or brazing, as indicated at 45,'so.as to prbvide a hermetical seal; To increase the rigidity and security of this joint, the cell and supporting tube are provided with transverse aligning openings orpockets 46 into which the molten metal-flows, providing integral lugs or rivets therebetween. The supporting tube is preferably coextensiveat 1 its lower end with the cell and is unsecured thereto except at its upper end, as described. A valve operating plunger 47 is connected to the lower end of the cell, having a stem extendingthereinto and being integrally sealed as at 48 to provide a rigid hermetic-a1 As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the block or holder 41 is provided with a passageway extending laterally from the chamber 42 entirely through the. wall'of the block, in which a tube 49 is integrally sealed to. makea thoroughly tight'joint; Thistube is entirely supported by the block and is coiled thereabout .in successive oonvolutions to form a thermo-sensitive surface substantially tubular in form and surrounding the central column 40. Thelower endof the coil is sealed as by means'of a cap. 50.; The entire internal .space of the column and coiltube 49 pro vides in efiect one continuous chamber which is completely filled with a thermo-sensitive a element may act positively to operate the va1ve,.al1 air or other gas and other extraneous should be thoroughly Excluded;-

The chamber 42 has an outlet extending to the upper side of the block 41 serving as a filling opening through which the thermosensitive fluid may be introduced. The filling opening is sealed after filling is completed b means of a sealing cap 51 and a I of the cap permitting the washer to e pressed down tightly, and into which drops of solder as indicated at 53 may be tacked to secure the cap rigidly in sealed-position. The fluid receiving parts of the thermostatic element are preferably of metal of good heat conductivity and non-porous so as to prevent. esca e of the contained fluid. The central co umn by itself provides a thermosensitive element which will be thermally influenced by the surrounding medium, but the sensitivity is substantially increased by means of the coiled tube 49, connected with the central column as described.

The completed thermo-sensitive element 0 the thermostat constituted by the column 40 and the tubular coil surrounding the same is mounted in floating position in the casing 34 which forms a supporting frame for this purpose. This floating support is accomplished by means of the aperture in the boss 30 of the cap 29 receiving the plunger 47 and the tubular neck-38 receiving the upper end of the block 41. This arrangement pro vides for longitudinal adjustment or other movement of the thermostatic element and permits the latter to be readily removed or replaced. An adjusting block 54 may be internally threaded to the neck 38 to which is attached an operating hand wheel 55 carrying a pointer or index 56. A pocket is preferably provided on the under side of the adj usting block for the reception of a relatively stifi' relief spring 57 which is confined .between the adjusting block and the upper end of the central column of the thermo-sensitive element. The cap plate 37 of the casing may be provided with an index mark 58 for cooperation with the pointer 56 to indicate a standard position orpoint of reference, and a lug 59 is prefer .bly disposed on the opposite side of the neck for cooperation with the pointer to act as a limiting stop for turning movement, of the hand wheel.

It is desirable for the most accurate and,

sensitive temperature control that the sensitive element of the thermostat befilled with its fluid at a temperature corresponding to that which the thermostatic unitassumes when actually connected to control admission of heating fluid to the radiator, and

.' when the latter is receiving-heating fluid to on maintain the room temperature at a deperature valve is intended to be applied to radiators sired point. The thermosensitive element will then be subjected to the same temperature changing influences met with in actual operation. This filling temperature may for convenience be termed the climatic temperature-of the thermostatically controlled valve and the process of determining it may be termed acclimating the valve. The climatic temperature of a valve and control thermostat under given conditions, and when connected to the radiator at a particular poin't thereon and bearing the particular relation thereto, may be determined as follows: The thermostatic control unit is connected to the radiator in its correct operating position relative thereto, the chamber of the sensitive element being filled with the thermo-sensitive fluid, but the cap 51 is removed. Heating fluid may then be admitted to the radiator to bring it. up to the temperature required to maintain the room at the desired standard temperature, the excess fluid, as expansion goes on, overflowing from the chamber. When the maximum tempera-- ture is reached, the thermostatic element is removed without allowing any more of the fluid to escape, and is placed in a vessel of uid such as water, the temperature of w liich is brought up to a point so the level of the thermo-sensitive fluid is again at the point it reached when in position on the ra-' diator. The temperature of the water is then read bymeans of .a thermometer, giving a figure from which the climatic temperature is obtained. Instead of taking the tem-' perature read on the thermometer as the elimatic temperature, a temperature a few. degrees therebe-low will be selected as the true climatic temperature, for the reason that it is desired that the thermostatic element shall. be operative to effect closing movement of the valve a little before the standard temis reached. Each thermostatic operating under conditions obtaining durin the acclimatin process, and will be filled at the climatic temperature obtained as above set forth. The sealing of the thermostatic chamber is then effected by placing the cap 51 in position as above described. It will be seen therefore that the climatic temperature may vary under varying conditions of application, but will be fixed for any given set of conditions. The thermoresponsive fluid and the thermostatic parts being heated when filling takes place, moisture, air and other gas and other extraneous matter will be driven off and sealing will be efl'e'cted under conditions effectually excluding these undesirable elements. 'A thermostatic element filled and sealed under the conditions set forth may be said to be acclimated.

The operation of the device will now be understood, being largely embodied'in the Ill! foregoin description, and may be summarized as ollows: The apparatus, having been acclimated as set forth and the parts as- 'sembled substantially as shown in' Fig. 3,is connected in its proper climatic position (that is the position for which the thermostatic element has been acclimated) with reference to the radiator, which may be for example that shown in Fig. 8. en the pointer 56 is at the index mark 58, the ad justing abutment block 54 will occupy such a position with relation to relief spring 57 that the thermostatic column will be confined therebetween and the follower plate 26 of the valve closure member. As the temperatnre of the surroundin air, and conseuently of the thermo-sensitive element of it 1e thermostat rising from a lower point, ap-

proaches .the standard temperature which the apparatus is set to maintain, expansion of the column effects closing movement of the: valve to reducethe supply of heating fluid to the radiator. The thermostatic element will become stabilized at a point in its expansion to maintain a valve opening to admit heating fluid to the radiator just sufli cient to maintain the temperature constant at the desired standard degree. Adjustment for a higher or lower temperature may be made by turning the hand wheel 55 in one direction or another to adjust the distance between the adj lower plate 26.

If forcany reason the temperature conis firmly seated to close the valve, expansion of the fluid will continue; the relief spring under these conditionswill be compressed and thus injury to the thermostat or other operative elements will beavoided. A.

' In addition to adjustment. of the thermo sensitive element, the hand wheel 155i1nay also be employed to close or open the valve manually, acting for this purpose through the relief spring 57 and the rigid central column 40. For accomplishment of thisurtact with the stop 59. i It will beobserved that the relief compared with of the valve may be eifectedy 'com'presion oftlie relief A slight modification'o ring'57 is relatively. stiff as the valve sprln 28, so closure naJly threaded recess in its upper face oommunicatiigjgith the interiqr chamber. This recess provides" filling outlet for .the thermostatieelement and a 60 of usting block 54 and the fol-,

tinues to rise after'the valve closing member very hug the thermostatic element is shown in F i 9, which therigid element/41 is provided with all 111ml?- soft metal or similar sealing material is adapted to be forced into sealingfposition by means of the threaded cap 61.

Although the thermostatic control device has been described with particular relation to heating a paratus, it will be understood by those ski led in the art that it may be applied equally as well to refrigeration.

ince certain changes may be made in the above construction and different embodiments of the inventioncould be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the in-.

vention herein described, and all statements of the scope ofthe invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and-desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased valve connected in a coigduit for controllin the passage of a temperature changing fluif, of a thermostatic element anounted in a compartment. where the temperature is to be controlled and including rigid thermo-sensitive column with an nternal cavity, a closed tubularmember oiled about said column, and lying in elongated-tubular formthereabout and communicating with the internal cavity thereof, a thermo-responsive, expansible and contractible fluid completely filling said tubular" member and cavity, a tubular casing surrounding said thermostatic element. and beihgpeeforated to permit free circulation of thels'iirrpunding 1116- dium whereby the elem sive thereto, a valve plunger connected with said'colu for actuation by said thermo-responsive fluid to control said valve against the bias ofits spring, means formounting and guiding said 00 umn for bodily movement in said casing and 'a mans readily responual means for ad'ustin'g the-column to vary 4- a the oontrol of'sai element. 7-; .2. "I n' bme i 4 vice; the combination. with a "spring ture'rontrol debiased valve by said thermostatic valve in'aeondiiit, for control-'- the passage of a changi g flu d, of a thermostaticf mou compartment wherethe r sitivei 'ia" h'boiit said 061 If cloeed tubularmeniberi U umn and infel ted-tubular form themabout and with the internal ca 'ty expansible and contractible fluid completely filling said tubular member and cavity, a. tubular casing surrounding said thermostatic element and being perforated to permit free circulation of the surrounding medium whereby the element is readily responsive thereto, a valve operating ,plun er connected with said column for actuation by said thermo-responsive fluid to control said valve against the bias of its spring, means for mounting and guiding said column for bodily movement in said casing and a manual means for ad'usting the column to vary the control of said valve by said thermostatic element and to eflect independent opening and closing of the valve.

3. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased valve connected in a conduit for controlling the passage of a temperature changing fluid, of a thermostatic element mounted] in a compartment where the temperature is to be controlled and including a rigid thermo-sensitive column with an internal cavity, a closed tubular member coiled about said column, and lying in elongated tubular form thereabout and communicating with the internal cavity thereof, a thermo-responsive, expansible and contractible fluid completely filling said tubular'member and cavity, a tubular casing surrounding said thermostatic element and being perforated topermit free circulation of the surrounding medium whereby the element is readily responsive thereto, a valve operating plunger connected with said column for actuation by said therino-responsive fluid to control said valve iagainst the bias of its spring, means for mounting and guiding said column for bodily movement in said casing, a manual means for adjusting the column to vary the control of said valve by said thermostatic element, and a relief spring opposing the bias of said valve for receiving the longitudinal thrust of said column and permitting longitudinal movement thereof when the valve has reached its limit of travel.

4. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with'a spring biased valve connected in a conduit for controlling the passage of a temperature changing fluid, of a thermostatic element for controllin said valve, said thermostatic element inc uding a rigid thermo-sensitive column with an internal cavity completely filled with a thermo-responsive, expansible and contractible fluid, means for mounting and'guiding said column in floating position in said casing for bodily longitudinal movement thereima valve actuating plunger controlled by said thermostatic element, and means for effecting bodily movement of saidcolumn to vary valve actuation by .said thermostatic element.

5. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased valve connected in a conduit for controlling the passage of a temperature changing fluid, of a thermostatic element for controlling said valve, said thermostatic element including a rigid thermo-sensitive column with an internal cavity completely filled with a thermoresponsive, expansible and contractible fluid a valve actuating plunger controlled by said thermostatic element, a casing surrounding said thermostatic element and being perforated to permit free circulation'ofthe surrounding medium, means including a spring disposed adjacent each end of said thermosensitive column for mounting and guiding said column in floating position in said casing forbodily longitudinal movement therein and manual means for effecting bodily movement of said column to vary valve actuation by said thermostatic'element.

6. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased valve connected in a COHdUlt'iOI controlling the passage of a temperature changing fluid, of a thermostatic element for controlling said valve and including a rigid column with an internal cavity completely filled with a thermo-responsive, expansible and contractible' fluid, said column including a rigid member apertured to form a part of said cavity, a

closed tubular thermo-sensitive coil co'm-- pletely filled with the thermo-responsive fluid and connected with said rigid member to communicate with the aperture thereof and to form a part of said cavity, and a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell communicating at one end with the aperture of said rigid member.

7. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased "valve connected in a conduit-for controllin the passage of a temperature changing fiui of a thermostatic element for controlling said valve and including a rigid column with an internal cavity completel filled with a thermo-responsive, expansi 1e and contractible fluid, said column including a rigid member apertured to form a partof said cavity, a closed thermo-sensitive tubular member completely filled with the thermo: responsive. fluid and connected with said rigid member to communicate with the aperture thereof and to form a part of said cavity, a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell communicating at one end with the aperture of said member, acell guiding and supporting member lying in po sition to cooperate with'the exterior surface of said tubular cell to form a guide and sunport therefor against lateral flexure and a valve operating plunger united with and sealing the remote end of said cell and operativelv connected to operate the valve.

8. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased cell sealed to said ri id member and communicating with the uid aperture thereof, a

valve operating fiplunger united to one end of said cell to e ectually seal the same and a tubular supporting casing for said cel carried by said rigid member.

9. In an automatic temperature control device, in combination, a lon itudinally expansible and contractible tu ular cell con- 'taining thermo-responsive fluid, a tubular thermo-sensitive coil containing thermo-i'eof a thermo-responsive, expansible and contractible fluid and a lon itudinally expansible and contractible tu ular cell communicating with the chamber of said rigid member and rigidly united and hermetically sealed to said rigid member, a guiding and supporting member lying in position to cooperate with the exterior of said tubular cell and supported by said rigid member, and a tubular thermo-sensitive coil sealed to said rigid member and containing thermo-responsive fluid in communication with the fluid of said chamber. v

12. A thermostatic element including, in combination, a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell containing thermoresponsive, expansible and contractible fluid and a tubular thermo-sensitive coil containing thermo-responsive fluid in communication with said cell.

13. A thermostatic element including, in combination, a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell containing thermoresponsive fluid, a tubular thermo-sensitive coil containing therino-responsive fluid, and

sponsive fluid, a chamber containing thermoa ohamber containing thermo-responsice responsive fluid and having rigid walls to fluid and having llgld walls to which said WhlCh said thermo-sensitive coil and said cell are attached so the fluids in said coil and cell are in communication with each other throu h the fluid of said chamber, said cell an said coil cooperating to provide a unitary thermostatic element removable from the control device and replaceable therein as a unitan'd supporting mecha nismfor suspending said thermo-static elementin float ng position for cooperation to control a fluid controlling valve. f

10. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a valve connected in a conduit for controllin the pas sage of a tem erature changing uid, of-a thermostatic e ement arranged to cooperate to control said valve for regulatin flow of said fluid and being subjected to t e influence of the medium whose temperature is to be controlled, said thermostatic element including a rigid member chambered for the reception of a thermo-responsive fluid, a. frame for su porting said thermostatic element for bodily movement in position foncooperation to control said -valve, a valve operating plunger connected at one end of said thermostatic element, a relief s ringcooper,- ating with said thermostatic e ement, manual means actingthrough said relief spring for efiecting bodily adjustment of said thermostatic element to va control thereby of said valve, and a tubu ar thermo-sensitive coil sealed to said rigid member and containthermo-responslve fluid communicating with the fluid of said chamber.

11. A thermostatic element including a. rigid member chambered for the reception thermo-sensitive coil and said cell are attached so the fluids in said coil and cell are in communication with each other through the fluid of said chamber.

14. A thermostatic element including, in combination, a longitudinally expansible and contractible tubular cell containing thermo responsive fluid, a tubular thermo-sensitivc coil containing thermo-responsive fluid and being coiled in tubular form about said cell, a chamber containin thermo-responsive fluid and having rigid wa Is to which said thermosensitive coil and said cell are attached so that the 'thermo-sensitive fluids in said coil and cell are in communication with each other through the fluid of said chamber, and a supportin and iding member for said cell carried y sai rigid walls and contactin with the outer surface of said cell to guide and support the cell in its expansion and contraction.

15. A thermostatic element including a rigid member having a chamber containing ,a thermo-responsive fluid and having a fill- I ing outlet communicating with said chamber, a seal for tightly closin said filling outlet, a longitudinally expansi 1e and contractible tubular cell communicating with the chamber of said rigid member and rigidly united andhermetically sealed to said rigid member, a guiding and supporting member positioned to cooperate with the exterior of said tubular 'cell and supported by said rigid member, and a thermo-sensitive tube containing thermo-responsive fluid in communication with the fluid of said chamber, said r igid member, said tubular cell and said thermo-sensitive tube constituting a unitary thermostatic element adapted for installation in operative position as a unit.

16. A thermostatic element including a rigid member having a chamber containing a l'llCIlTlO-I'OSIXmSlVe, expansible and contractible flu'd and having afilling outlet communicating with the chamber, a seal for tightly closing said lilling outlet, a longitudinally expansiblc and contractible tubular cell communicatiug with the chamber of said rigid member and rigidly united and hermetically sealed to said rigid member, a guiding and suppoi'ting member lying in position to cooperate with the exterior of said tubular cell and supported by said rigid member, a tubular thermo-sensitive coil sealed to said rigid member, and thern'io-responsive fiuid in said coil in communication with the fluid of said chamber.

17. A thermostatic element including a rigid member a pertured for the reception of a thermoresponsive, expansible and contraetible lluid, a longitud nally expansible and eontractible tubular cell communicating with the aperture of said rigid member and rigidly un ted and hermetically sealed to said rigid member, and a guiding and supporting member lying in position to cooperate with the exterior of said tubular cell and supported by said rigid member, said guiding member and eellhaving opposed pockets and an integral metallic sealing union therebetween extending into said pockets.

18. In an automatic temperature control device, in combination, a valve having a casing with a port and valve seat and a closure member for said seat, a bonnet for said valve detachably mounted thereon in which said closure member is movably mounted, a sup porting member detachably carried by said bonnet, and a thermostatic member carried by said supporting member for controlling operation of said closure member.

19. In an automatic temperature control device, in combination, a valve having a casing with a port and valve seat, a bonnet for said valve detachably mounted thereon, a closure member for said port slidably mounted in said bonnet, a supporting member detachably carried by said bonnet, a flexible sealing diaphragm supported onsaid bonnet and overlying said closure member, and a thermostatic member carried by said supporting member and having an operating member for controlling said closure member through said flexible diaphragm.

20. In a device of the character described, in combination, a valve casing having an annular seat therein and a tubular portion axially aligning with said seat, a supporting member detachably secured to said tubular portion and forming a tight joint therewith, a valve closure member, a stem slidable in said supporting member and supporting said closure member for movement toward and from said seat, a follower threaded to said stem, a spring tensioned between said supporting member and said follower, said closure member being thus wholly supported by said supporting member and forming therewith a unit attachable to or removable from said tubular portion as a unit, a sealing dia phragm secured to said supporting member, and operating means cooperating to operate said closure member through flexure of said diaphragm.

21. In a device of the character described, in combination, a valve casing having an annular seat therein and a tubular portion axially aligning with said se'at, a supporting member or bonnet threaded to said tubular portion and having an opening at the outer side thereof, a valve closure member, a stem slidable in said supporting member and supportin said closure member for movement toward and from said seat, a follower threaded to said stem, a spring tensioned be tween said supporting member and said follower, a diaphragm'positioned in the opening of said supporting member and operatively connected to said closure member, a cover plate overlying said diaphragm and having a central opening therein, and a movable operating member supported externally upon said supporting member and extending into said opening for operation of said valve closure member through and by flexure of said flexible diaphragm.

22. In a device of the character described, in combination, a valve casing having an annular seat therein and a tubular portion axially aligning with said seat, a supporting member or bonnet threaded to said tubular portion and having an'opening at the outer side thereof, a valve closure member, a stem slidable in said supporting member and supporting said closure member for movement toward and from said seat, a follower threaded to said stem, a spring tensioned between said supporting member and said follower, a diaphragm in the opening of said supporting member and operatively connected to said closure member, a cover plate overlying said diaphragm and removably attached to said bonnet, and a thermostatic element carried by said cover plate and having an operating member cooperating through said diaphragm to control said valve closure member.

23. In an automatic temperature control device, the combination with a spring biased valve connected in a conduit for controlling the passage of a temperature changing fluid, of a thermostatic element for controlling said valve and including a rigid column with' an internal cavity completely filled with a ther Inc-responsive, expansible and contractible fluid, said column including a rigid member apertured to form a part of said cavity, a closed thermo-sensitive tubular member com- 8" c acumen ple'tely filled with the thermoresponslve fluid said thermostatic element thereon in freely and connected with said rigid member to removable position and formi n therewith 10 communicate with the'aperture thereof and a unitary control device, said t ermostatic to form an-extension of said fluid cavity a. element being mounted on said thermostat 5 longitudinally expansible' and cont-ractible. support for cooperation directly with the tubular cell communicating atone end with va ve for operation thereof. the aperture of said ri id member, and a In testimony whereof I afiix my signature. thermostat support on t 10 valve supporting JAMES J. LAWLER. 

